The Fourth of July holiday has an important meaning and a proud history, and we all should take time on Friday to appreciate the birth of our nation and the rise of democratic government, which gives all of us a voice in public affairs.

But the holiday is also a time to spend with family, to reconnect with friends, get some serious barbecuing done and, in Wausau, watch cars slam into one another until something explodes.

The four-day Independence Day celebration of the Wausau Area Jaycees opens at 5 p.m. Thursday at Marathon Park, with events all weekend including demolition derbies on Saturday and Sunday and two nights of fireworks — on at dusk on Thursday and again Friday.

• In Tomahawk, Pow Wow Days will bring people in the Northwoods together for a parade through downtown, a water demonstration by the Tomahawk Fire Department

Events like this provide a boost for the local economy and serve to bring the community closer together. They're an opportunity to meet up with old friends, enjoy food from local vendors and break out of the routine for summer fun.